Robert Mark O'Driscoll

With a heavy heart we announce the passing to heaven of our beloved husband and brother Robert. Affectionately called Bob by many, he preferred his full name Robert.

Robert was born and raised in Grand Falls Newfoundland and he inherited the Newfoundland spirit, happy, free, giving and kind.

He graduated from St Michael’s High School going on to serve as a medic in the Armed Forces. This would inspire him to attend Nursing School in Alberta after leaving the military, where he ultimately became a Registered Nurse. For Robert, being an RN was a passion and he dedicated his entire life to helping others in their suffering through his compassion, knowledge and dedication. He was an exceptionally gifted ICU nurse and although his passion was for Neuro ICU, he actually served in all ICU units at University of Alberta Hospital in Edmonton. He also worked with and coordinated the transplant program in Edmonton. Robert served as RN in the Maximum Security Penitentiary in Edmonton, and during his tenure, saved the life of a critically injured inmate. For his actions he was awarded a commendation from The Correctional Service of Canada. Robert later moved to Ontario with his second wife Carmen and ended his career in the neuro ICU at the Civic Hospital in Ottawa.

Throughout Robert’s life he was confronted with many tragic events. He was witness to his father dying suddenly at the family cottage when he was just 5 years of age. He was only 11 years old when he and his mother barely survived a fire in their family home in Grand Falls that took the lives of 4 of his siblings: Chris, Jimmy, Edward and Bev. Some 8 years later, Robert’s life took another tragic turn when he was the only survivor of a horrific car accident that took the life of his older sister Christine. Robert would go on to carry the heavy burden of survivor’s guilt for the remainder of his life. Therefore, he chose to use his gifted time on Earth to help others through both his profession and personal life.

Family was very important to Robert and he kept his family members very close during the years in spite of the geographical distance. His natural instinct to help extended to his wife Carmen’s family and friends. Robert could be counted on to be the first to offer his help to anyone in need at anytime. He was well known for his sense of humour and you could count on a steady stream of corny jokes to entertain. To sit and chat with Robert would often leave your belly aching from laughter. Robert was an amazing cook, and a visit to their home was indeed a special occasion with guests treated as Royalty. He was a passionate traveler, eager to see the world.

Robert will be deeply missed and is survived by his loving and caring wife Carmen(in Ottawa); his brothers Paul (in Alaska)and Leo(sister-in-law Sandra) at Sandy Point; sisters Marry(brother-in-law Leo)at Badger Lake, Bridget at passionate Harbour Grace and Agnes (brother-in-law Vince) at Grand Falls Windsor. He also leaves behind his son Mark (daughter in law Amanda, with 2 grand daughters Emma and Kaillie); son Chad( husband Marvin) and daughter Nicole (son in law Darryl).

Robert will be deeply missed by his extended family and friends. He will live always in our hearts, now and forever. He is now reunited with his Mom, Dad, Bev, Edward, Jimmy, Christopher and Teena in God‘s Heaven.

A Visitation for Robert will be held Friday, October 13, 2023 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM at the McEvoy-Shields Funeral Home and Chapel, 1411 Hunt Club Road, Ottawa, ON K1V1A6. Cremation and a celebration of life will take place at a later date to be announced.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.McEvoy-Shields.com for the O'Driscoll family.